Bulk Metallic Glasses: Aluminum-Based

Abstract

This paper details a systematic investigation of the formation of Al-based bulk metallic glasses, expanding on an earlier brief report.[] We discuss an approach for designing and predicting the best glass-forming composition in the Al–TM–RE systems, based on the atomic cluster packing model for the internal structure of the glass. The effects of additional elements in quaternary and quinary systems on the glass-forming ability and thermal stability of the glasses are also discussed. Three new compositions, Al86Ni6Y4.5Co2La1.5, Al86Ni7Y5Co1La1 and Al86Ni7Y4.5Co1La1.5, are capable of forming fully glassy rods of 1 mm in diameter; their glass transition and other thermal properties are systematically characterized.